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Commercial HVAC

Rooftop Unit Financing

Packaged rooftop units heat and cool most of the retail stores, offices, schools, and restaurants in the country. When one dies, the space below it stops working, and replacement often means a new unit, a crane, a curb adapter, and a weekend of labor all at once.

Financing turns that surprise into a predictable payment. Building owners can replace failing units before they strand tenants, and HVAC contractors can offer their customers a way to say yes to the proposal today instead of next budget cycle.

Rooftop Units We Help You Finance

  • 01

    Packaged Rooftop Units

    A packaged RTU puts the compressor, coils, blower, and heating section in one weatherproof cabinet that sits on the roof and ducts straight down into the space. Retail centers, strip malls, and single story offices rely on them because they're simple to service and replace. When buying, match tonnage to a fresh load calculation rather than the old nameplate, since many older buildings run oversized units. Also check whether you need gas heat, electric heat, or a heat pump model. Most owners buy new, because refurbished RTUs carry unknown compressor hours and refrigerant history.

  • 02

    High Efficiency RTUs

    High efficiency rooftop units add variable speed compressors, variable speed supply fans, and smarter onboard controls. They run at part load most of the day, which trims energy bills and keeps humidity in check for spaces like fitness centers and grocery stores. Newer models use lower global warming refrigerants, so confirm your service contractor is trained and stocked for them. These units cost more upfront, which is exactly where financing helps: the monthly energy savings can offset a meaningful share of the payment.

  • 03

    Economizers

    An economizer lets a rooftop unit pull in cool outside air instead of running the compressor when the weather allows. In dry climates like Colorado, that can mean many hours of free cooling each year. Economizers also help buildings meet ventilation code. Buyers should weigh factory installed versus field installed kits and pay attention to the controls, since a stuck damper or a bad sensor can quietly waste energy. Adding one during a unit replacement is usually cheaper than retrofitting later.

  • 04

    Curbs and Adapters

    The roof curb is the frame that supports the unit and seals the roof penetration. When a new RTU has a different footprint than the old one, a curb adapter bridges the gap so you avoid cutting new openings and reworking the roof. Adapter curbs can save days of labor and protect the roof warranty. Order them with the unit, have them built to match both the existing curb and the new unit exactly, and include them in the financed total so nothing falls outside the project.

Why Finance Rooftop Units Instead of Paying Cash

A single RTU replacement can wipe out a property's maintenance reserve, and a multi unit rooftop can be far worse. Financing spreads the cost so your cash stays available for tenant improvements, payroll, or the next emergency.

It also keeps your bank line of credit open for true surprises. Many owners use financing to replace several aging units together, which lowers crane and mobilization costs compared with replacing them one at a time as they fail. New equipment may also qualify for Section 179 deductions; check with your tax professional.

What Your Financing Can Include

Depending on the lender, your rooftop unit financing can cover more than the cabinet itself:

  • Crane rental, rigging, and street closure permits
  • Curb adapters, roof work, and flashing
  • Ductwork transitions, gas piping, and electrical upgrades
  • Thermostats, controls, and economizer programming
  • Startup, test and balance, and removal of the old unit

Programs That Work Well for Rooftop Units

  • Program

    Equipment Finance Agreement (EFA)

    You own the equipment from day one and make fixed payments, which suits a unit you plan to run for its full life.

  • Program

    Equipment Loan

    A loan that usually carries the strongest incentives for paying off early, though the details depend on the lender, handy if a utility rebate arrives after installation.

  • Program

    $1 Buyout Lease

    Lease payments, then own it for one dollar at the end, a clean path to ownership with payments that fit the budget.

New Business or Established, We Can Help

Opened a new restaurant in a space with tired rooftop equipment? Equipment financing is available from day one, even for startups. Established property owners and contractors can use the same process for single units or full rooftops. See everything we cover on our commercial HVAC financing page, including air handling units for larger buildings.

What You'll Need

Requests under $150K can often be approved on the application alone. For larger multi unit projects, financial statements can strengthen your request. Funding can often finalize with just a driver's license and the contractor quote or equipment invoice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question?

Talk to a real person. We're happy to walk you through your options.

Can a contractor use this financing to help customers buy rooftop units?

Contractors often point customers to financing so a property owner can approve a replacement without waiting on budget. The building owner applies, and we compare lenders for them. Reach out and we can talk about how that fits your sales process.

Can I finance several rooftop units at once?

Yes. Bundling units into one project often makes sense, since you pay for the crane and mobilization once. Larger totals may call for financial statements, depending on the lender.

Does financing cover the crane and installation?

Often, yes. Many lenders will include rigging, curbs, electrical work, and startup in the financed amount. Send us the full contractor quote so we can match you with lenders that cover soft costs.

Should I finance a used rooftop unit?

It's possible with some lenders, but most owners choose new units for the warranty and known refrigerant history. If you're considering used equipment, share its age and condition and we'll tell you which lenders may consider it.

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